Castle Over Shap - Sat 20 Jun

Dalrypaul,
I would agree entirely with what you have said.
The first trip with 46115 stopped at Oxenholme for water so the climb up Grayrigg cannot be matched,however on the 9th May water was taken at Carnforth and even though we had rain that impeaded our climb of Shap we ran from post 13 to post 37.25 (24.25 miles) in 25mins 26.3 secs.
69.2mph at post 13,46.9mph at post 26,77mph at post 31.5 and 32mph at post 37.25.
The overall time of 25mins 26.3 compares well with other efforts, being in the top ten,and beating the Jubilee time with two more coaches.
It will be interesting to match the Castle performance against these figures.

 

I am also happy to report the car park at Crewe is 2 quid

 

The castle certainly has the cylinder capacity to match the scot but with a boiler/firebox similar to the Jubilee it might explain why prolonged demands for steam find the scot having an advantage. Still with the double chimney/4 row superheater and with good coal and careful management the Earl might spring a surprise.

 

Thanks for the figures, it will indeed be interesting to see how the runs compare. Out of interest what was the time for Grayrigg (MP13 to MP26)?

 

I thought 71000 had beaten 6233 on Shap?

 

GW locos have foibles?! :shock: Well, whoever in the North of England would have thought it?

 

Yeah, many a bacon sarny has been spoiled though lack of proper understanding from foreign crews!

Ralph makes a good point, but equally (some would argue more) important is having a driver who knows how to handle western engines properly, which hasn't always been the case in the past.

Looking forward to seeing how it goes. Was planning to go on it actually, but apparently I'm needed in a beer-drinking capacity somewhere else. 8-[

 

I blame I K Brunel myself. ;-) All those pansy cuttings, embankments and tunnels to create a minimum-gradient line. In t'North, tha knows, they just pointed t'navvies at a mountain and said "Cross it!". Give them locos a good thrashin' 'fore lunch, ah say, that'll meck a man out of yer!

 

Dalrypaul,
13 to 26 in 13mins 42secs

 

Richard_3672
The quickest time is held by 6233 in 5mins 31 load 11/430 but 71000 has done it in 5mins 32 with a 13 coach train 510 tons

 

I`ve kept quiet on the subject of a castle going over Shap as I didn`t want to jinx the run but seeing the times & movements are up on UKsteam I thought it ok too post.
When was the last time one ran over Shap ? I can never recall seeing a GWR (or Southern region) engine in my trainspotting days at Preston or even on northern LMS lines in the 1960`s.
I somehow expect someone to declare the engine out of gauge or even the line too steep for a castle to climb but I should be out my my camera for it (working later for its return)

John

 

Bill Andrew was on the regulator of 5043 for the Welsh Highlander last Saturday between Crewe and Llandudno Jn in both directions and handled the Castle brilliantly. Having now gained familiarity with the locomotive I hope he is rostered as driver for the Castle over Shap. He did the same turn on "The Royal Scot" with the Duchess a couple of weeks ago. Paired with a Tyseley fireman I firmly believe such a team could produce an outstanding run despite the difference in topography between the two routes.

 

7029 in 1967 went to Carlisle

 

7029 Clun Castle succesfully climbed Shap on 14th October 1967, whilst King 6024 disgraced itself by stopping for a blow-up just north of Tebay on 26th March 1999.

Since steam returned to the main line during the 1970s, both Castle 5029 and King 6024 have done battle with the other 'northern climb', the S&C. Legend has it that both of them suffered the odd failure (or two).
Carnforths Hall appears to be the exception rather than the rule, when it has tackled the northern fells.

 

The Scout Green gallery will be HUGE!

 

I will have to miss that bit out Ralph, a quick dash back to get in work for the late shift, even with taking some time owing :cry:

Neil.

 

This is taken from the VT website.........."Since returning to the mainline, Kinlet Hall has travelled widely on excursions, several double-headed with Tyseley sister engine 4965 Rood Ashton Hall. The "dynamic duo" have exhibited great haulage capabilities over the notorious South Devon banks and then on LMS metals with a spectacular run from Crewe to Carlisle & back over Shap carrying a Western Region style headboard entitled "The Caledonian". "
So Tyseley does have a bit of a history when it comes to Shap.
And no the support crew will not be wearing flat caps and mufflers in deference to our Northern cousins, but we will probably have Black Pudding with our breakfast. :smt110